Introduced in the 1924 series, Packard’s exceptional straight-eight engine heralded the dawn of a new era for both the revered manufacturer and the American luxury automobile industry. Spearheaded by the iconic Col. Jesse Vincent, Packard’s engineering team had crafted a potent, resilient, and nearly vibration-free inline eight, destined to shape the brand’s identity for decades to come. Combined with the distinctive styling and elegance that distinguished Packard in the later 1920s, the Packard Eight effectively encapsulated the characteristics now associated with the Classic Era of automobiles.
By 1929, a revamped iteration of the Packard inline-eight engine powered the Sixth Series 626 and 633 models. This 320-cubic-inch, 90-horsepower “Standard Eight” engine saw continuity with minor enhancements in the Series 726 and 733 lines. Notably, a new Detroit Lubricator carburetor replaced the previous Packard design, bringing subtle refinements. Although the power output remained consistent, the updated carburetor enhanced flexibility.
Another addition for the ’30 model year was a dual-belt water pump, facilitated by a one-inch increase in wheelbase and hood length. The inclusion of a four-speed manual transmission, featuring a specially designed extra-low gear for navigating challenging terrain like deep mud or snow, became standard. Complementing this was a convenient one-shot Bijur chassis lubrication system, ensuring a quiet and refined ride.
Source: Bonhams Cars
